https://https://uk.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/rotorua/best-things-to-do/10070000682090
Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Rotorua [2025]
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
4.7
/5
348 reviews
8.7
Based on 8,811 reviews
26.7 km from downtown
Phone +6473666333
Address: 201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Watch "Ladies Hat" geyser erupt
Geothermal steam-cooked culinary experience
Saved by 371 users281 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
We rushed to the Knox Fountain at 10:15, but we had to stand on tiptoe in the crowd to see the water column rising into the sky. The smell of diesel and sulfur rushed straight to our heads. But it smelled really good! The champagne pool was bubbling like a giant soda pot, and the green Devil's Bath looked like an alien dye vat. The phone couldn't capture the weird color. When we were walking on the plank road, we almost stepped into a hot mud pit. The tour guide laughed and said, "The geothermal foot bath comes with a free scalding package." The best thing was squatting on the roadside eating a sandwich, the steam mixed with the smell of earth rushed to my face, and when I looked up, the hillside was smoking, and the branches were covered with sulfur frost. It was really a boiler room on earth! It was worth the price.
Wai-O-Tapu themal wonderlandThese places were amazing for the view and photo .Very good experience.
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Agrodome
4.7
/5
319 reviews
8.5
Based on 1,702 reviews
7.6 km from downtown
Phone +6473571050
Address: 141 Western Road, Ngongotahā, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No. 1 of Spring Outings in Rotorua
Highlights:
See sheep & deer up close
Sheep shearing & close encounters
Saved by 150 users168 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Compared to the free ranch nearby, the Agrodun admission fee wasn't much different, and there weren't many people. The driver took us for a quick tour on a tractor, speaking quickly and using a mediocre loudspeaker. Fortunately, we saw the various animals on the ranch and got out to feed them, so the experience was okay. I didn't write down the time the sheepdogs were herding the sheep, so I missed it.
Kids will love this, it's quite interesting and worth a visit if you're on your way. First, you'll be taken on a tractor tour of the farm, where you can feed the lambs and alpacas. Then, there's an indoor farm show with wool shearing and other activities. The sheep on display are quite interesting, each one looking different. Headphones are available, so you can choose your preferred language.
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Polynesian Spa
4.6
/5
144 reviews
8.2
Based on 4,089 reviews
751m from downtown
Phone +6473481328
Address: 1000 Hinemoa Street, Lakeside, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions
Highlights:
Multiple pools: 97°F to 108°F
Hot springs & lake views
Saved by 205 users50% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Perfect, you can soak in the pavilion outside, the pool has different temperatures, authentic sulfur hot springs. There is no time limit, it is very smooth to enter, and many locals soak in it
Polynesian Spa – Rotorua’s Hot Spring GemIf you’re ever in Rotorua, do yourself a favor and carve out some time for Polynesian Spa. This place is pure bliss. Nestled right on the lakefront with gorgeous views of Lake Rotorua, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and that classic geothermal magic the region is famous for.There are a few different pools to choose from, depending on what kind of experience you’re after. The Deluxe Lake Spa is stunning—seriously, soaking in the mineral-rich hot po
No.
4
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Te Puia - Rotorua, NZ
4.6
/5
217 reviews
7.7
Based on 6,027 reviews
2.9 km from downtown
Phone +6473489047
Address: 20 Hemo Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
Highlights:
Geyser erupts 20 times daily
Learn Maori carving & weaving
Saved by 127 users43% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
One of the must-do attractions in New Zealand's North Island, it is worth going. You can learn about the unique history and culture of the Maori people, and the performances are a must-see, very unique. There are also geysers and kiwi bird areas in the park, which are unforgettable.
If you focus on the natural landscape, you can ignore the folk performances and buffet, and just buy a ticket for the visit, which is more affordable. If you haven't seen the Maori performance, you can watch it. Then I think the buffet is quite clean and delicious 😜 The geyser is really amazing!
No.
5
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Skyline Rotorua
4.7
/5
133 reviews
7.6
Based on 6,389 reviews
3.8 km from downtown
Phone +6473470027
Address: 178 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Near Wai-O-Tapu & Huka Falls
3-mile scooter track & challenges
Saved by 127 users61% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I visited it twice within two months. The buffet is good, the scenery is great, the luge is fun, and it is a must-visit place for parent-child travel. It is best to avoid holidays, otherwise be prepared. The queue for the slide is about an hour.
The whole experience was great, the view from the top of the mountain was beautiful, and you could see the entire city at night. The buffet restaurant experience was also good, with a lot of quality dishes, especially seafood and beef and lamb chops. It was very convenient to book tickets with Ctrip, five-star praise!
No.
6
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Hells Gate
4.4
/5
83 reviews
7.4
Based on 2,931 reviews
12.6 km from downtown
Phone +6473453151
Address: 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions
Highlights:
Maori culture show at night
Bubbling mud pools & geysers
Saved by 104 users43% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
In Rotorua, New Zealand, I found a geothermal park with fewer tourists. There was a tour map (Chinese version) when I entered the park. I booked the tickets through Ctrip and the procedure was simple. I originally wanted to go there to make black mud, but time was too tight, so I decided to see if I would have the chance next time.
Visiting Hell's Gate in Rotorua is like stepping into a geothermal wonderland. Located in the heart of New Zealand's famous thermal region, this geothermal park offers an up-close look at the country's stunning volcanic activity. The park features bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers, and steam vents that create a unique, almost otherworldly experience.
No.
7
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Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest
4.6
/5
126 reviews
7.4
Based on 5,276 reviews
3 km from downtown
Phone +6473500110
Address: Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3074, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No. 2 of Spring Outings in Rotorua
Highlights:
Night lights illuminate Redwood Forest
Redwood trail feels like carpet
Saved by 109 users28% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Blue sky and white clouds, it's another good day!
We visited the nearby red forest, where more than 170 different trees are planted. We learned how to identify the silver fern, a plant endemic to New Zealand.
I can't help but say that New Zealand has done a great job in protecting vegetation.
The trail in the redwood forest is safe, not very exciting, and not long. It's quite interesting to walk around. There are not many people, so it's a leisurely trip. It's suitable for taking the elderly and children. If you like thrills, you can try the flying over the redwood forest project, which takes longer.
No.
8
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Lake Rotorua / Te Rotorua nui ā Kahumatamomoe
4.7
/5
214 reviews
6.6
Based on 1,066 reviews
7.4 km from downtown
Address: Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Maori cultural dance show
Lake flows in nature's backdrop
Verified user reviews
Lake Rotorua ~ the largest lake in New Zealand ~ is a volcanic lake formed after a volcanic eruption ~ there is a small island in the center of the lake ~ at first glance, it is often mistaken for the sea ~ black swans and black ducks are swimming leisurely ~ seaplanes, yachts, kayaks, local people's water leisure activities are indispensable ~
Rotorua in New Zealand is a famous tourist attraction. Rotorua is located in the North Island of New Zealand. It is also the place where the indigenous people once lived. There is also a Maori cultural village for tourists to visit. This attraction is worth seeing.
No.
9
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Mitai Maori Village
4.5
/5
18 reviews
6.4
Based on 2,780 reviews
4.2 km from downtown
Phone +6473439132
Address: 196 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Unique scenery & lush wilderness
Maori warrior dance & poi show
Verified user reviews
It is recommended to arrive early to get a good seat. The Maori dance performance is pretty good. The entertainment effect is OK. The food is a buffet. Traditional Maori food. The lamb and beef are very delicious. It is recommended to go and have a look
I won't comment on the price/performance ratio. Overall, 5 points. It is a must-see attraction for New Zealand tourists. Traditional Maori cultural environment, very interesting cultural introduction and performances, traditional Maori cooking meals - Hangi, very delicious. The service is very good, the waiters are friendly and enthusiastic, and they can promote local culture while maintaining a high level of service.
No.
10
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Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
4.7
/5
65 reviews
5.3
2.8 km from downtown
Phone +6473493463
Address: 17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Maori geothermal culture experience
Unique sulfuric geothermal landscape
36% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The scenic spot is not crowded, but it is very interesting. It takes about an hour to walk around. As long as you look at the geothermal features, it is a bit hot to walk in the summer, and you must wear sunscreen, but it is worth it.
Whakarewarewa is a famous geothermal area in the North Island of New Zealand. It is located 2 km south of the center of Rotorua. There are about 500 pools in Whakarewarewa, most of which are alkaline chloride hot springs and at least 65 geyser vents. The most famous Pohutu Geyser is located in the scenic area. It is the largest geyser in New Zealand. The water column can reach up to 30 meters. It is very spectacular. It usually erupts 20 times a day. It is the best landmark in Rotorua. There is also a typical Maori village here. There are traditional Maori singing and dancing performances in the assembly hall at noon. Next to the village is the Maori Art and Crafts Association, which displays and sells Maori textiles and carvings.
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